KEEP GOING

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'keep going' means to continue doing something or to persist in a course of action, especially in the face of adversity or difficulties.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'keep going' means to continue doing something or to persist in a course of action, especially in the face of adversity or difficulties.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Keep going' doesn't allow an object to interrupt between 'keep' and 'going'.
Register
Neutral
It is used in everyday conversations and texts, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
'Keep going' doesn't take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple keep going Despite the rain, the runners decided to keep going.
Past Simple kept going He kept going through the night to finish the project.
Present Continuous keeping going They are keeping going despite the challenges they're facing.
Present Perfect have kept going We have kept going throughout the years with unwavering determination.

đź’ˇ When to Use

During challenging times
Use 'keep going' to encourage persistence and endurance when facing difficult or trying situations.
Example: "Even when things got tough, she told herself to keep going."
In motivational speeches
Speakers often use 'keep going' to inspire audiences to persevere towards their goals.
Example: "In his speech, the coach told the athletes to keep going no matter the odds."
On physical journeys
Perfect for situations where someone must physically continue moving forward or progressing.
Example: "Despite the long hike, they motivated each other to keep going."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of words
❌ Wrong: She keep going her passion.
âś… Correct: She keeps going with her passion.
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure 'keep going' isn't split unnecessarily.
Using a direct object incorrectly
❌ Wrong: He keeps going the race.
âś… Correct: He keeps going in the race.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember 'keep going' isn't used with a direct object.
Incorrect tense form
❌ Wrong: They keeps going since morning.
âś… Correct: They have been keeping going since morning.
đź’ˇ Tip: Match the tense with the context of the action.
Practice

KEEP GOING - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

persevere continue

Antonyms

give up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To reach the summit, they needed to ___ despite the harsh conditions."

stay put
keep going
give in
turn back

"To keep going is to embrace the journey, for even the longest path requires persistence to reveal the destination's true value."

In Context

In the early 20th century, Ernest Shackleton embarked on a perilous journey to Antarctica with his crew aboard the Endurance. The expedition aimed to be the first group to cross the continent on foot. When their ship became trapped and eventually crushed by pack ice, their dreams seemed doomed. Despite the bleak circumstances, Shackleton inspired his crew to keep going. For months, they camped on the ice, waiting for a thaw that never came. Meanwhile, the crew's spirits wavered, but Shackleton's determination to keep going rallied them. He decided they must attempt the impossible—12 of them would traverse the ice to find a refuge. Shackleton led his men in lifeboats across the furious open sea to South Georgia Island, braving bitter cold, starvation, and storms. Exhausted but resolute, they trekked across jagged mountains to reach a whaling station. Shackleton's resolve to keep going and his ability to inspire the same resilience in his men saved all 28 crew members, making the ill-fated journey one of the greatest survival stories in history. Shackleton's leadership exemplified the sheer will and unyielding spirit required to persevere against insurmountable odds and keep going no matter the obstacles.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep Going

What is the origin of keep going?

+
The phrase 'keep going' emerged in the early 20th century, combining the imperative 'keep' with 'going', indicating continuity, persistence, and progression in actions.

Can keep going be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Keep going' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it conveys a universal message of persistence and determination that resonates across different settings.

What is the difference between keep going and persevere?

+
While 'keep going' implies a continued effort, regardless of difficulties, 'persevere' suggests a more determined and unwavering level of persistence in challenging conditions.
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



0%
Scroll to Top